Gold Medal Success at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026

The team at Frank P Matthews Trees are delighted to have been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a significant achievement following last year’s Silver-Gilt award.

The award-winning exhibit celebrated the beauty and diversity of the Malus Genus, with more than 50 trees displayed in full bloom. The collection showcased both established and new varieties, including several specimen trees developed through ongoing propagation work at the nursery.

The choice of Malus was inspired by Director Nick Dunn and his passion for the Genus. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, Nick undertook a project grafting a wide range of Malus varieties into different forms, helping to shape the inspiration behind this year’s Chelsea exhibit.

Alongside the Malus display, the stand also featured Frank P Matthews’ specialist range of trained specimen fruit trees. As one of the few nurseries in the UK producing these highly skilled forms, and home to one of the country’s largest collections, the exhibit demonstrated the craftsmanship and expertise that has become synonymous with the business.

Commenting on the award, Steph Dunn James, of Frank P Matthews Tree said:

“This is only our second year at Chelsea, so to achieve a Gold Medal is a real testament to the dedication, passion and skill of our team back in Tenbury Wells. It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from visitors to our curated display of Malus trees, which is an expression of what we do best.”

The inspiration behind the exhibit came from Director Nick Dunn and his long-standing passion for Malus varieties. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, Nick began grafting a wide range of crab apple and ornamental apple trees into different forms, helping shape the concept behind this year’s Chelsea display.

The stand demonstrated not only the ornamental beauty of flowering Malus trees, but also the nursery’s expertise in propagation, training and long-term cultivation.

Alongside the Malus collection, visitors also experienced Frank P Matthews’ specialist range of trained specimen fruit trees. As one of the few nurseries in the UK producing these highly skilled forms — and home to one of the country’s largest collections — the display highlighted the craftsmanship and horticultural expertise that have become synonymous with the business. From espalier and pleached forms to mature trained specimens, the exhibit reflected generations of nursery knowledge and traditional growing techniques.

Commenting on the award, Steph Dunn James said:

“This is only our second year at Chelsea, so to achieve a Gold Medal is a real testament to the dedication, passion and skill of our team back in Tenbury Wells. It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from visitors to our curated display of Malus trees, which is an expression of what we do best.

Sponsored by Lombard Odier

This year, the Frank P Matthews stand was proudly sponsored by Lombard Odier, whose values closely align with those of the family-run nursery. Their support helped bring the exhibit to life at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, enabling visitors from around the world to experience and appreciate the beauty and importance of trees.

Celebrating 125 Years of British Tree Growing

The Gold Medal adds to Frank P Matthews’ long history of industry recognition and reflects the company’s continued commitment to innovation, quality and horticultural excellence.

This year’s success is especially significant as Frank P Matthews Trees celebrates 125 years in business. The fourth-generation family-run nursery continues to champion British-grown trees, horticultural innovation and traditional craftsmanship from its home on the Worcestershire/Shropshire border.